Do the self-styled strongmen who have risen to power in Russia, China and other countries threaten democracy? We will focus on the book The Age of The Strongman: How the Cult of the Leader Threatens Democracy Around the World by Gideon Rachman to discuss the examples of modern-day strongmen and how they are affecting our world. We will also discuss how today’s strongmen may be using the techniques of past strongmen and dictators. Presenters may choose a strongman from the book (Putin, Erdogan, Xi Jinping, Modi, Orban, Kaczynski, Boris Johnson, Trump, Duterte, Netanyahu, Bolsonaro, Abiy Ahmed) or a similar example.
Class participants are expected to purchase the book $17.49 on Amazon) or get a copy from the library.
